We will be taking an early train from Verona to Lucca on our upcoming trip and will have to change trains in Bologna. I was thinking we could add Bologna as a quick day trip on our way through. Is the city worth a few hours to stop and explore before going on to Lucca? Thanks!
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
It has miles of covered sidewalks, a tower you can climb, and is part of the food capital of Italy. Personally I think its a great city to visit, and, best of all, is overlooked by RS.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Good grief, yes!
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
Stayed there for a few days in April and loved it. Friendly people, welcoming laid back atmosphere and more or less car free in the centre. San Stefano which is a collection of ancient churches on the one site is worth a visit. As is the city's Archeaological Museum which is on the street along the left side of the Basilica of San Petronio in Piazza Maggiore. Free entrance. Most of all just kick back and enjoy the place for what it is.
It seems like there is an icecream shop, cafe/bar, restaurant or deli every few yards. Not a place to visit if you are on a diet!
PS - for a street snack try a "piadina" ie a made to order flat bread with a range of fillings.
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
I loved our time in Bologna--personally, I liked it better than Lucca! In my opinion, it's worth more than a day trip. Any chance you could spend a night or two? If not, the suggestions made by other posters are excellent. Make sure you plan time for lunch in Bologna.
Posted by
OP
Florida, USA
53 posts
Thank you all! Looks like we will definitely be adding the day trip to Bologna! :)
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
I stayed a few days in Bologna last May. Personally, I found it refreshing to spend time in a city where tourism isn't the primary industry. You can actually see a little bit of how Italians live without fear of being ripped off. I would definitely spend a day there.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
Definitely!
One thing that stuck in my mind is, I asked the people at my hotel for a restaurant recommendation that wasn't too touristy. they gave me some of their favorites, but then said "but this is Bologna, nowhere is too touristy" - I loved that.
The food and produce markets alone are worth the stop.
Posted by
Hamilton, ON, Canada
52 posts
hey stephanie, not sure if you are a foodie, but if so, apparently this is THE PLACE TO BE.
i am going in sept and taking a cooking class on bolognese pasta making and their pasta sauce..she is apparently near the train station..great reviews on trip advisor. off teh top of my head i think it is called taste of italy or delicious italy..something like that..for 85Euros. I was in italy last year and took cooking classes in florence and rome and loved them. this year doing calabria, rome again and bologna..
thought it may be something you might be interested in to bide your time and get a true italian foodie experience and some recipes to try your hand at home!